This week, our winners are: Donna Morrow and Eugenia Riddick. Each of you will receive an autographed book. As usual, there is a new contest underway right now–to enter, you simply need to comment, and you’re in. Two winners will be selected at random, notified, and announced on the blog.

I’m putting some finishing touches on the book I call “North of Eden”–and expect to finish the first draft tomorrow. My publisher informs me that the title will change, but don’t worry. I’ll post it here as soon as it’s definite.

Recently, several of you asked why a book takes so long to come out, once it’s written. This book, for instance, is currently scheduled for May of 2018. What’s the deal? Well, there is a great deal to be done, in order to get book out there in the marketplace. After the writing, there are revisions–my editor and I will discuss loose ends, things that ought to be added or deleted, etc., and I will make the changes. Then my editor will read it again, to be sure we’ve got all our ducks in a row. Then, there will be many, many meetings within the publishing house, a sales plan will be hammered out, and the publicity people will do their thing, arranging tours and interviews and such, and the art department will design several potential covers. Meanwhile, a copy editor will proof read the manuscript, and I will make more changes, though sometimes we don’t catch everything, and wind up with a character drinking coffee on one page and tea on the next, etc. Embarrassing, but true. Once the copy edits have been addressed, the book will be set in type, and copies will be sent out to reviewers and other writers, so that there will be quotes to put on the cover. Finally, the book will be printed, packed and shipped and, hopefully, purchased.

Phew. I got tired just writing all that!

It’s late now, for me, anyway, so I’m off to read or listen to a book, snuggle up with two dogs and one kitty, and get some shut-eye. And I’ll be thinking up more stories to tell you about my occasionally eventful but mainly ordinary life. Be well, be happy, and be kind. We’re all in this together.

I meant to tell you…I saw 2 stacks of books for sale the other day, and there were around 41 books, if I counted correctly, and 10 or 11 of them were your books. The person had more of your books than they did of any of the other authors.

Getting a book out to the readers sounds like a fascinating process. Glad you’re almost done with the first draft and I can’t wait to read it. Good luck with it, although I’m positive it’ll do very well. Congrats to the winners.

Like Beverly I carry a list of titles I have. Otherwise I end up with duplicates. Today I found Lael St. James books. I’m sure I’ve seen them listed in the front of books before but didn’t pay attention. It will be interesting to see how Lael writes! I hope they arrive soon so I take them on the road trip to FL. And there is the latest Mustang Creek coming out in 2 weeks. So many new books to read!!

We are under a severe thunderstorm watch as well as tornado warning. I always say a quick prayer that nothing goes haywire here. A chair and quickly seeking shelter doesn’t always go together. Lol. Will be glad to see the book come out. As for title I might just be to use to North of Eden, by the time it comes out. Gotta go.

Thanks for sharing the proces from having finished the story to having the finished book
I once read a story where one of the main characters from the first book to the next not only changed eye colour (brown to green) but also gained length (5′ 8″ to 6′ 2″). Apparently the writer decided to make him more memorable.

I reading about the making of a book. I found it fascinating. I knew there was a lot of work involved, but not as much as you told us. I always thought I could be a great proof-reader, but at 73 years of age, I’m not sure anymore. You are a great role model. I joined Weight Watchers on Jan. 1st. and have lost over 25 pounds so far. My cholesterol was going up and my BP also, so decided to see it as a wake-up call. I go to the gym 4 times a week and have a personal training session every Tuesday. It keeps me going. I love your books and read them all. Thanks for your gift!!

Enjoyed that post. I can see how things can be missed from page to page. I read one recently where the guy took his boots off as soon as he walked in the door. A few pages later he took them off again as he sat on the edge of the bed.
Sometimes a reader catches them, but just smiles and keeps reading. Kind of like the old western movie I saw once and an airplane passed overhead as they were fighting in the desert.

I have admired and read most of your books (working on reading them all). Your stories are fantastic and every time I pick up one of your books, I know I will not be disappointed. I also just read a book buy a new author AJ Mayer Final Boarding, check it out if you get a chance. Great book!

Linda, there is a lot that goes into one of your wonderful stories but I for one am so thankful that you do that for us. I love your books so very much so you take as much time as you need to, to make them as wonderful as they are. Thank you for being you!!

Londa
As usual your post was very informational. I have recently gone through the process you shared. Goodness gracious I had no idea so much was involved in publishing a book was so much eork and mibe are only CHILDRENS books -LOL. Its been a realbeye opener but I’ve lovex every minute of it.
So looking forward to your next book. Dixie

Wow! I had no idea, Linda, that books go through so much before publishing. Being the staunch Southerner I am, I hope they will let you keep the title “North of Eden.” It’s perfect. Take care of Linda during all this.

Thanks Linda for the information on how your books are “born.” I have done some copy editing for folks and I get a kick out of any little imperfections that pop up in published books. Those just make the book more organic to use a popular term. We know that the book was written by a person and no one is perfect. Thanks too for the way you end your blog posts…we all are in this together and it is so important to be kind. Happy Trails!

It’s amazing the amount of work & people who are involved for each book. Thanks for all the info. I love every single book you’ve written and have such respect to see how much an Author puts into the books they write.
Carol L

You are so interesting to follow in your ‘ordinary’ life. I like to check out the books you are reading. Your life is much more
interesting than my ordinary life. You bring a lot of joy to your readers. Roz

You got tired describing the process; but it is all true; and it is a whole lot of work. I am retired from a copy editing job (textbooks, rather than fiction); part of the job is keeping track of all the pieces, and there are more pieces for text books!

I know what goes into publishing a book. My niece is a fairly new author. It seems to take for ever! Her name is Maegan Beaumont. Pick up her books if you like murder and lots of Gore! Lol! I just love your books! Love happy endings!

Living where you live is never boring Lael. I live on a small farm and absolutely love it. But, it belongs to my daughter and SIL so I don’t know what I’ll do when they decide to sell and move to E WA.